Vetsulin (porcine insulin zinc suspension) is the first and only FDA-approved insulin available in the U.S. for treating diabetic dogs and cats. Vetsulin controls levels of glucose in the blood to help alleviate diabetic symptoms. It’s used with U-40 insulin syringes (sold separately). Vetsulin requires a prescription from your veterinarian.

Vetsulin Insulin requires refrigeration and must be kept at refrigerator temperatures at all times. To ensure proper temperature, it requires overnight shipping at anadditional cost.

For: Dogs and Cats

Benefits:

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Controls your pets glucose levels and alleviates symptoms of diabetes

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Improvement can usually be seen within a few days

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First and only FDA-approved pet insulin available in the U.S.

How it works:
Insulin is a hormone that is naturally produced by the pancreas. When the body does not produce enough insulin, or when the insulin produced is not effective, it results in diabetes mellitus. Vetsulin is an aqueous suspension of porcine (pork) insulin that controls hyperglycemia in pets with diabetes.

What is the most important information I should know about Vetsulin: Diabetes mellitus is a disease where the body produces insufficient insulin. The low insulin levels may result in high blood glucose that could produce the following changes in a dog or cat: increased thirst, urination and appetite, weight loss, high levels of glucose in the urine, ketones in the urine, cloudy eyes and vision loss (diabetic cataracts). Vetsulin is not a cure for diabetes mellitus, it can control or eliminate many of the complications associated with the disease (such as excessive thirst, urination, and weight loss) and prevent development of life threatening ketoacidosis. Response varies from animal to animal but can be dramatic. In most cases improvement can be seen within a few days. In cats, treatment may lead to diabetes remission (insulin injections no longer required). If Vetsulin is discontinued or not given as directed, the signs of diabetes will likely return and life-threatening complications such as ketoacidosis may develop.

What is Vetsulin: Vetsulin is a sterile aqueous zinc suspension of purified porcine insulin. Insulin is a hormone naturally produced by the pancreas. Insulin enables the body to use the sugar in food as a source of energy. When the body does not produce enough insulin, or when the insulin produced by the body is not effective enough, this condition is called diabetes mellitus. This condition allows sugar levels in the body to become very high. Vetsulin is Purified porcine (pork) insulin Zinc Suspension that is used to control hyperglycemia in dogs and cats with diabetes mellitus. Vetsulin is available by prescription as a 10 ml multidose vial containing 40 units (U) per mL of porcine insulin zinc suspension per ml and is given to dogs or cats by subcutaneous injection.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Vetsulin: Do not give Vetsulin if your pet is allergic to pork or pork products. Before using Vetsulin, tell your veterinarian if your pet has any other medical conditions such as: vomiting and/or diarrhea, shows signs of extreme drowsiness or fatigue (lethargy), and/or shows signs of severe ketoacidosis. Tell your veterinarian if your pet takes any other prescription or over the counter medications, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements. Tell your veterinarian if your dog or cat has any liver or kidney disease; inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis), underactive (hypo) or over-active (hyper) thyroid, Cushing's disease or if your dog or cat is pregnant, nursing, or if you plan to breed your dog or cat.

How should this medication be given: Vetsulin should be given according to your veterinarian's instructions. Vetsulin is given using a U-40 syringe only. Use of a syringe other than a U-40 syringe will result in incorrect dosing. Vetsulin should not be shaken. Just prior to use, the vial should be mixed by rolling the vial between the palms of your hands 10 times. Do not reuse a syringe. Dispose of all syringes in an appropriate puncture-resistant disposal container. Vetsulin should be stored in an upright position under refrigeration (36º-46º F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep this medication out of the reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss giving a dose: Follow your veterinarian's directions if you miss giving a dose of Vetsulin. To prevent missed doses, be sure to always have enough Vetsulin on hand.

What happens if I overdose the pet: Contact your veterinarian immediately if you inject more than the prescribed amount of Vetsulin.

What should I avoid while giving Vetsulin: Vetsulin should be given to dogs and cats only. Vetsulin should not be administered to humans. Call a physician immediately if you accidentally inject yourself with Vetsulin. Do not give a dose of Vetsulin to a pet experiencing an episode of low blood glucose (hypoglycemia). Common causes for hypoglycemia include excessive doses of insulin, failure to eat, accidental doubling of insulin dose, and strenuous exercise.

What are the possible side effects of Vetsulin: Rarely, allergic reactions to insulin can occur. Seek emergency veterinary medical attention if an allergic reaction is experienced (difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, or hives). Other serious side effects can occur with or without warning. The most common insulin-related side effect is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) with symptoms that include; lethargy, staggering gait, seizure or coma. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet has a medical problem or side effect from Vetsulin therapy. Other side effects may occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.

What other drugs will affect Vetsulin: Vetsulin can be given with other medications, but the dose may need to be adjusted due to the medication resulting in either increased or decreased insulin requirements. Progestogen (such as megestrol) and glucocorticoids (such as cortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone, triamcinolone) should be avoided during Vetsulin therapy. Progestogen, glucocorticoids, and certain endocrine diseases may counter the effect of insulin. Do not give any other prescription or over the counter medications, including vitamins, minerals and herbal products, without first talking to your veterinarian or pharmacist during treatment with Vetsulin.

Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Vetsulin written for health professionals that you can read.

Directions:

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Vetsulin (porcine insulin zinc suspension) is a prescription medication used to control hyperglycemia in dogs and cats with diabetes mellitus.

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Vetsulin is available in 10ml vials containing 40 U/ml.

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Vetsulin is given subcutaneously (SQ) using a U-40 insulin syringe only. Use of an insulin syringe other than a U-40 syringe will result in incorrect dosing.

Tip: Just prior to use, the vial should be mixed by gently rolling the vial between the palms of your hands 10 times.

Dosage:

Pet

Weight

Dosage

Dogs/Cats:

All weights

Vetsulin should be given according to your veterinarian's instructions using a U-40 syringe only

Horses:

Storage: Vetsulin should be stored in an upright position in the refrigerator. Do not freeze, protect from light.

Vetsulin Insulin:

Active Ingredient (per mL)

Amount

Porcine Insulin Zinc Suspension

40 U

Zinc Chloride

0.08 mg

Sodium Acetate Trihydrate

1.36 mg

Sodium Chloride

7.0 mg

Methylparaben (preservative)

1.0 mg

*pH is adjusted with hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide.

Vetsulin Insulin
4.4
5
22
23

Works well for our cat
Tasha is a 13 year old calico cat that was diagnosed with diabetes about 3+ years ago. She was on another insulin for a while until it was no longer made and we switched to Vetsulin. We give her shots twice a day and she continues to respond well to the insulin with no adverse affects. She also is given dasequin available at Pet Meds.
PetMeds advised by email that Vetsulin was no longer going to be available. We contacted vet for another type of insulin but found it so costly. When we again contacted PetMeds we were told Vetsulin was now available so ordered more. Very confusing info but we stuck to Vetsulin and continue to see our cat stablized and doing well.
03/26/2010

Vetsulin works for us
Reggie was diagnosed with diabetes five months ago. He has been on Vetsulin since then. He is back to his old self- has regained weight and energy. We are very happy with the product, and extremely happy with Petmeds. Even with the refrigerated shipping charge we save money.
03/26/2010

IT WORKS
My dog Max was in vetusin for 5 years and the drug was recalled he had a problem and the vet change the vetsulin to humalin well was awful because the dosage was not working and now he is back on vetusin the vet said is safe now.so no more dosage guessing with the humalin
03/18/2010

My dog tried other insulin and was not effective at all and was getting worse sympomatically. My vet found vetsulin and almost immediately she improved. She has been on it for over 3 years and we are asking if it is recalled to be put on compassionate use. Some dogs have no other alternatives and this is being investigated now....they do not have any results yet. There are recommendations not recalls. Just to get facts straight it has not been recalled.
03/17/2010

recalled!!!
FYI,
Went to the vet today to have my kitty checked and to get more insulin. Was told that VETSULIN has been RECALLED.
03/16/2010

Ask & Answer.

Answers

Answer:

The best place to look for this is on-line, there may be some independant pharmacy's that can order this for you, or ask your veterinarian if he could prescribe another type of insulin. Thanks for your question.

She is a fox terrier - needs 6 units twice a day by s.c. injection. And what is the cost of this? need syringes and needles also.

2 years, 11 months ago

by

Darlene

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0

Answers

Answer:

We carry Humulin N (NPH insulin U-100) the price for a 10ml bottle is $79.99. There is a separate $19.99 shipping charge for shipping insulin as it requires overnight delivery. The price of U-100 syringes are $24.99.

my cat is on vetsulin right now and i heard its no longer going to be avail. can the humulin n or lantic be used instead of using the new prozinc for cats?

5 years ago

by

darla

0

0

Answers

Answer:

The answer is yes. HOWEVER, neither Humulin N nor Lantus are direct substitutes for Vetsulin. You will need to discuss which insulin to use and have a new dose calculated. You will also need to use a different syringe. Switching from one insulin to another when it is not under a veterinarian's supervision can cause the pet's death.

This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian.Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.